growled Mr Curry suspiciously. “The thing is, bear, why are you doing it?”
“It’s some special paint which never dries,” said Paddington. “It’s very good value.”
“Paint which never dries?” repeated the Browns’ neighbour. “It doesn’t sound very good value to me.”
“It was recommended to Mr Brown by a policeman,” said Paddington importantly. “I’ve nearly finished all the pipes and I haven’t used half the tin yet.
“Mrs Bird saw a face at the window when she came home from her shopping the other day,” he explained, seeing the sceptical look on Mr Curry’s face.
“The policeman thought it might have been someone called ‘Gentleman Dan, the Drainpipe Man’ who climbed up this very pipe. Mrs Bird said it gave her quite a turn. She hasn’t got over it yet.”
“I’m not surprised,” said Mr Curry. “Let’s hope they catch him.”
“I don’t think he’ll be back,” said Paddington. “Not if he saw Mrs Bird on the warpath, but Mr Brown thinks it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“Hmm,” said Mr Curry. “What did you say it’s called, bear?”
“Miracle non-dry paint for outside use,” said Paddington, reading from the can. He held it up for Mr Curry to see. “You can buy it at any good do-it-yourself shop.”
“I don’t want to do-it-myself, bear!” growled Mr Curry. “I have more important things to do. Besides, I’m on my way out.”
He paused for a moment. “On the other hand, I would be more than interested in having my own pipes done. I do have some very valuable items about the house. Family heirlooms, you know.”
“Have you really?” said Paddington with interest. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen an heirloom before.”
“And you’re not starting with mine,” said the Browns’ neighbour shortly.
“I don’t have them on display for every Tom, Dick and bear to see. I keep them tucked away - out of the sight of prying eyes.”
Paddington couldn’t help thinking if that were the case there was no point in the Browns’ neighbour having his drainpipes painted, but Mr Curry was notorious for being unable to resist getting something for nothing, even if it was something he didn’t need.
A cunning look came over his face. “Did you say you have over half a tin of paint left?” he asked.
“Nearly,” said Paddington. He was beginning to wish he hadn’t mentioned it in the first place.
Mr Curry felt in his trouser pocket. “Perhaps you would like to have a go at my pipes while you’re at it,” he said. “I’m afraid I don’t have very much change on me, but I could stretch to ten pence if you do a good job.”
Paddington did a quick count-up on his paws. “Ten pence!” he exclaimed. “That’s less than tuppence a pipe!”
“It’s a well-known fact in business,” said Mr Curry, “that the bigger the quantity, the less you pay for each individual item. It’s what’s known as giving discount.”
“In that case,” said Paddington hopefully, “perhaps I could do one of your pipes for five pence?”
“Ten pence for the lot,” said Mr Curry firmly. “That’s my final offer. There’s no point in having only one done.”
“I think I’d better ask Mr Brown if he minds first,” said Paddington, clutching at straws. “It is his paint.”
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